Muut by Tuner

The Estonian album title "Muut," translates into myth, which largely typifies some of the existential space-rock developments heard throughout this live recording. Yet one of the more curious aspects pertain to drummer Pat Mastelotto (King Crimson) and Markus Reuter’s ability to multitask as a duo and then project a much bigger group-based sound.

Reuter is a Renaissance man, and studied guitar under King Crimson founder Robert Fripp. And with Mastelotto, the duo’s existence is perhaps akin to a branch of the Crimson tree. Here, Reuter uses touch guitar, keys, laptop, and generates live loops while his band-mate renders the broad rhythmic element on these works spanning weighty backbeats, soaring themes and airy treatments.

On the title track "MUUT," they enact a dark and ethereal musical vista via harrowing flute samples to create an effect that might be akin to an ancient ritual. Consequently, the duo fuses oscillating textures and a massive wall of sound but inject numerous highs and lows into the grand schema. An interesting combination, it is.

They lift a few elements from old school prog-rock while modernizing the output with interweaving sound-sculpting mechanisms and effective use of technology. In effect, they conjure up quite a few persuasive musical propositions and it must have been a treat to see these gents pulling it off during the live performances.